Matthew Henry Commentary Mark 8:34-38

"And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel`s shall save it. For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? For what should a man give in exchange for his life? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." — Mark 8:34-38 (ASV)

It is frequently noted how great crowds flocked to Christ for help in various situations. Everyone needs to understand this if they expect Him to heal their souls. They must not indulge in bodily comfort.

Just as the happiness of heaven with Christ is enough to make up for the loss of life itself for Him, so the gain of the entire world through sin will not make up for the ruin of the soul by sin. And a day is coming when the cause of Christ will appear as glorious as some now think it insignificant and despicable. May we think of that time and view every earthly object as we will on that great day.